Influence of Coffee Parchment-Based Compost on Soil Management under Rice Crops in the Department of Man, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The fertility of tropical acid soils is limited by their acidity, low organic matter content and limited availability of nutrients. However, the composting of coffee husks. is a source of organic matter and nutrients that play an important role in maintaining soil fertility and, therefore, in sustainable agricultural. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of coffee parchment-based compost on the chemical and biological characteristics of Bofesso soils in Man department. Various treatments (control, slash-and-burn control, composts (5-10-15 kg) and mineral fertilisation NPK+urea) were applied to the soils. Parameters analyzed include pH, organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (Nt), C/N ratio, available phosphorus (Pass), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (SEB), base saturation (V), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn). Results show that slash-and-burn temporarily increases pH, CEC, and some micronutrients but reduces OM and microbial biomass. Compost, particularly at 5–10 kg rates, significantly improves CEC, Pass, OM, pH, MBC, DHA, and micronutrient balance, enhancing long-term soil fertility. Mineral fertilization with NPK+urea increases some available nutrients (P, Zn, Fe) but is limited in restoring organic and biological quality. Compost made from coffee parchment can be used as a bio-fertilizer to improve soil fertility and health. Sustainable management of tropical soils should thus prioritize organic amendments and, ideally, their integration with mineral inputs to reconcile immediate agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability.